November 2019

The first time this month that we went out on the Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari, was a very calm day but so foggy. After travelling out for an hour the fog got no better and the boat turned around and headed back. No way we could spot anything! We got tickets to return and this time is wasn't foggy but nice and sunny. As we headed away from the wharf Downtown Auckland we enjoyed the views of various islands and many sail boats. Auckland certainly lived up to its name "The City of Sails".

October 2019

Camping at one of our favourite places was great in October, although windy. Tawharanui, so close to home, yet it feels like we are away from it all! Another highlight in October was having a penguin dog come visiting the coastline at Ti Point. About 16 possible nesting sites were identified, giving us plenty of incentive for our Penguin Project.  We also enjoyed a visit to Omaio Gardens with Forest & Bird members. 

September 2019

A penguin expert came and talked to our Leigh Penguin Group which was very helpful giving us more understanding of these birds.
We enjoyed a few movies and had plenty of social events to go to locally. At home we managed to get a step redone adding a small improvement to our backyard. 

August 2019

A highlight of our stay in Hervey Bay was going out on the whale watch boat. We saw numerous animals with some humpbacks coming right up to our boat. Our Air BnB was stunning and called Absolutely Beachfront with very friendly Japanese hosts. Our stay in Caloundra meant we were within a walk of four local beaches. We drove into the Hinterland and the Mary Cairncross Reserve was another highlight. Nice easy walks through the bush where we saw Pademelon wallabies and colourful birds. It was great to catch up with family during our trip and most days we had blue skies although slightly cooler than previous visits. 

July 2019

Toasting Marshmellows at the Fire Station.

Always lots to do including a 2-day Predator course at Wenderholm. This was followed by the fabulous Light Up Leigh event then a Beer Tasting night at the Fire Station.
But it is also the time for a break from winter as we went to Queensland to enjoy Noosa, Fraser Island, Hervey Bay and Caloundra. Fraser Island was a great place to stay overnight in a lovely resort surrounded by trees, next to great beaches.   

June 2019

Ready for the Leigh Dance.

Winter is here and we are very pleased to have our heat pumps to warm up the whole house. The month started with our Emoji Team joining the quiz night at Leigh Bar. Lots of Fun.
Another great local social event was the Leigh Dance at Leigh Central. Great music and dancing, good food, lovely local people and all in a great location. There were also a few mid-winter dinners to enjoy. 

May 2019

Kawakawa

We camped at the Top 10 Holiday Park at Paihia and completed the Twin Coast Cycleway. First ride was to Horeke, then a ride from Kaikohe to Opua. A very easy cycleway with most of it being downhill.
We also visited the Kaikohe Heritage Museum and the Firehouse. Great weather to be away in our little caravan.

March 2019

Matai Bay

Our month began with 3 nights camping at Tawharanui. We did 2 night walks and saw 3 kiwi. Tony organised Sunday in the Park and we helped with the nursery on Tuesday. We were off again later that month with our little caravan to stay at Aroha Island, Kerikeri. Such a magical spot - so we stayed 5 nights. We visited Marsden Cross on the Purerua Peninsula, drove up to explore the Karikari Peninsula, visited Kerikeri markets, had quite a few walks and swims and caught up with an old friend. 

February 2019

Great weather and we had a couple of trips away. First, in our caravan, we stayed at Glinks Gully then Kaihu. Sad to see many dead kauri trees at Trounson Kauri Park. A highlight was seeing two kiwi on a night walk. Next trip was visiting Masterton to see the Wings over Wairarapa Air Show. When Sunday was cancelled we visited some great rural museums and even found great-great-grandmother's grave at Featherston Cemetery. 

January 2019

Many sunny days and very little rain. It has been great for snorkelling at Goat Island and swimming at Matheson Bay. We have had a few kayak trips as have some guests. As part of Forest and Bird we have placed penguin nesting boxes around the Leigh coast. An early phone call advised about a penguin in trouble at Leigh Motors. It turned out to be a Cook's petrel that probably hit powerlines. At dusk we placed the bird on a rock on the coast and after a few wing stretches it successfully took off and flew away. A happy ending!.

December 2018

Tapu Camp was our destination for a little holiday on the Coromandel Peninsula staying in our caravan. We visited the Whitianga before continuing onto Coromandel township and back to Tapu. Then the following day we drove along the very windy coastal road to Port Jackson and Fletcher Bay. Supurb views of a most spectacular coast. Plenty of campsites on the way but we were glad not to be towing a caravan on the narrow, unsealed roads.

November 2018

Days are longer and summer is here with many fine, sunny days to enjoy either by kayaking, cycling or walking. Water still a bit cool though. We camped at Tawharanui - again - and enjoyed the birdlife as usual.
Left is a photo that shows some of the Ti Point track which follows the coastline. Plenty of shade from the large trees, little patches of sandy beaches, and views over Omaha Bay and to Omaha.